Paterson Special Operations crackdown nets 23 arrests

PATERSON — City police arrested 23 people over the weekend, including six on drug charges and three for prostitution, as part of the ongoing efforts of Paterson’s Special Operations Unit, said Police Director Glenn Brown.

Police also issued summonses against seven Paterson liquor stores and bars, including some that were shut down because of the alleged violations, Brown said.

Moreover, officers working on the special detail issued 485 traffic summonses and had 18 vehicles towed, according to the director.

“This enforcement action will continue in an effort to improve the quality of life for the residents of the city of Paterson,” Brown said.

About 40 officers from various units in the police department working on the operation, which ran from 7 p.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Saturday, Brown said. Sixteen of the arrests were for pending warrants, Brown said. The drug arrests mainly targeted dealers, he added.